shape-shifter
noun
shape-shift·er
ˈshāp-ˌshif-tər 
: one that seems able to change form or identity at will
especially
: a mythical figure that can assume different forms (as of animals)
Examples of shape-shifter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shigidi and Nneoma are both shape-shifters, appearing as whatever humans desire or fear, which makes real intimacy between them challenging.
—
Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023
One of the older companies in crypto, Ripple has been a continuous shape-shifter since its launch in 2012, when its founders created the cryptocurrency XRP.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune Crypto, 8 Sep. 2023
Thile takes that a big step further, making the mandolin an outright shape-shifter.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023
Advertisement Throughout the two decades since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq overthrew President Saddam Hussein, Sadr has been something of a political shape-shifter, positioning himself variously as a sectarian militia leader, a revolutionary figure and a nationalist who could unify the country.
—Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 20 July 2023
Following a popular two-year run online, the Nimona webcomic would be published as a graphic novel in 2015, and much like its leading teenage shape-shifter, the book defied convention.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 June 2023
Loki may be the Odinson family shape-shifter, but ever since Chris Hemsworth made his Marvel debut in 2011, poor Thor has gone through a lot.
—Devan Coggan, EW.com, 15 June 2023
Like a shape-shifter, Mitsubishi has been many things.
—Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 6 June 2023
The Japanese have a wary affection for foxes, which across East Asia are known for being shape-shifters.
—Hanya Yanagihara Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 10 May 2023
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Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023
One of the older companies in crypto, Ripple has been a continuous shape-shifter since its launch in 2012, when its founders created the cryptocurrency XRP.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune Crypto, 8 Sep. 2023
Thile takes that a big step further, making the mandolin an outright shape-shifter.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023
Advertisement Throughout the two decades since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq overthrew President Saddam Hussein, Sadr has been something of a political shape-shifter, positioning himself variously as a sectarian militia leader, a revolutionary figure and a nationalist who could unify the country.
—Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 20 July 2023
Following a popular two-year run online, the Nimona webcomic would be published as a graphic novel in 2015, and much like its leading teenage shape-shifter, the book defied convention.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 June 2023
Loki may be the Odinson family shape-shifter, but ever since Chris Hemsworth made his Marvel debut in 2011, poor Thor has gone through a lot.
—Devan Coggan, EW.com, 15 June 2023
Like a shape-shifter, Mitsubishi has been many things.
—Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 6 June 2023
The Japanese have a wary affection for foxes, which across East Asia are known for being shape-shifters.
—Hanya Yanagihara Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 10 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shape-shifter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shape-shifter
Cite this Entry
“Shape-shifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape-shifter. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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